Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Honiara (Agenzia Fides) – It’s a dream come true: for 410 youth from the Solomon Islands participating in the upcoming World Youth Day in Sydney, this is an important step, one lived with expectation, enthusiasm, hope, and that will be an unforgettable experience for them. This was what was mentioned in the last preparatory seminar for WYD that the youth pilgrims received from Archbishop Adrian Smith of Honiara, who will accompany the group from the Solomon Islands to Sydney.
The youth have been preparing for over a year, establishing close bonds with their Australian peers.
During the 4 day-camp of spiritual preparation, where there were Eucharistic celebrations, adoration, moments of reflection and exchange of experiences, the Archbishop encouraged the youth to follow the example of St. Paul and put an end to misdeeds and no longer be a slave of sin; to seek the Kingdom of God and become evangelizers like the Apostles, of all nations.
Among the persons whose lives the youth have reflected on were Saint Maria Goretti and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, among WYD’s patrons who will be a sure point of reference for all the pilgrims.
For those unable to attend the event in Sydney, there will be a WYD celebration in the local parishes of various dioceses, following the event’s television coverage, gathering together to pray and to unite themselves spiritually to the larger gathering there in Sydney. All the parishes are organizing youth events in the area to take advantage of the occasion of WYD to bring Christ’s message to so many people who still do not know Him.
The activities on a diocesan level include: celebrating life and faith with families, cultural activities, festivals, sport and music, prayer and visits to Catholic churches and communities, witnessing the living church in action serving the community, and a Day of Social Service.
In addition, following the event of WYD, there will be gatherings and encounters organized for the youth who were in Sydney to tell there testimonies, as they can pass along their enthusiasm and the graces that they will have received to the local community. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 10/07/2008)
